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Many others had told me about what it was like and that I would enjoy it. I dismissed them all. It’s expensive and potentially addictive. Why would I even want to try? I’ve seen others under its influence and I did not want to become like them.

11:20 – Milan. I’m waiting to meet up for lunch with a former roommate and I’ve decided to try my first coffee – ever. The servers at the Caffetteria Bar do not speak English so they asked one of their customers to translate. I explain that I’ve never had a coffee before and he insists on paying (coffee lovers and social engineers take note!).

My "dealer"

I think it’s an espresso – midnight black with a bit of coffee-coloured foam on top. It’s small enough to drink in one shot but I’m not sure if this is how it’s done so I sip it. My reaction is as if I’ve just bitten into a lemon that is incredibly bitter. The guy who bought it for me smiles, laughs, and tells me I’ll be awake for three days. I believe him. It’s almost noon and I haven’t eaten since 22:00 the previous day. My head feels like I just drank 5 cans of Coke. The subsequent sips are easier as I can anticipate what’s coming.

My first. I will always remember you.

Now I can see why people get addicted to this stuff. It reminds me of the first time I ever smoked a cigarette – the buzz is almost identical.

ahahahahah It reminds me when I was waitress in Manchester. The first day almost of english costumers gave me back their coffee and said to me: “do you want me to have a heart attack ????” – no, why? – it’s TOO strongh!! – but you asked me for a normal coffee!”.

Then my boss cames to me and said: Eugenie…here you are in England, so… when a costumer ask you for a normal coffee, you put a little bit of coffee with a lot of water, milk and ask for sugar. ” – “but this is not a coffee… – “IT IS for them!! WE ARE ENGLISH!